10 Foods That Help Fight Infections
By adding certain products to our diet we can strengthen our immune system and thus fight infections and many other diseases more easily
When the cold months begin we must be very careful of infections. Viruses and bacteria are “the order of the day” and colds, angina and bronchitis are frequent.
If our immune system is not in conditions we can suffer other infections, such as those caused by fungi.
For this reason, in the following article we will tell you what are the foods that can prevent infections.
What foods prevent or treat infections?
In order to fight infections and diseases that can affect you at any time of the year, we recommend that you increase your intake of the following foods:
1. Ginger
It is an extremely beneficial root for our defenses. It has an antibacterial effect and is a powerful antibiotic that allows the body to fight against some conditions, according to this study carried out by Jagannath University (Bangladesh).
- It is consumed in small quantities, either grated in meals (for example, in salads) or in herbal teas.
- If you combine it with honey the result will be even better.
2. Yogurt
This dairy has “good” bacteria called probiotics that treat yeast infections. These appear when there is an imbalance in the levels of beneficial and malignant bacteria in our body.
- Consume a pot of yogurt for example at breakfast or mid-morning to take advantage of all its properties.
- We recommend that you choose Greek yogurt, unsweetened or unflavored to help you recover faster.
3. Fermented foods
In this group are, for example, kefir or sauerkraut, as well as some canned foods (such as pickles or pickled olives).
- They contain probiotics similar to those in yogurt.
- During the fermentation process, they create vitamins and digestive enzymes that, upon entering our body, reduce inflammation and allow detoxification.
4. Garlic
It is a superfood that cannot be missing in our kitchen or, of course, in our dishes.
Garlic is a powerful antibiotic that can help you deal with infections of all kinds, either by consuming it with meals or using it as an external remedy. This is stated in this study from the Weizmann Institute of Science.
The components that are responsible for giving it that characteristic flavor are also those that deal with effectively treating the problems derived from viruses, bacteria and yeasts.
- You can eat a clove of raw garlic in the morning or add it to all your favorite recipes.
5. Cinnamon
This rich spice that we mainly use to flavor and flavor coffee or desserts has a good amount of antioxidants and minerals including calcium, fiber, iron and manganese.
- A pinch of cinnamon a day boosts the immune system, according to this study from the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna).
- It also allows us to enjoy its main properties (antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial). This is stated in this study carried out by the Institute of Plant Protection National Research Institute.
6. Grapefruit
Also called grapefruit, it is a great source of vitamin C that is known to have the ability to deal with viral and bacterial diseases. This is stated in this study carried out by the University of Otago.
If you tend to get sick quite often in winter or due to changes in temperature, we advise you to increase your intake not only of grapefruit but also of other citrus fruits such as orange and lemon.
You can also consume other fruits rich in vitamin C, such as kiwi or strawberry.
7. Turmeric
Like cinnamon, this yellowish spice that is used for rice dishes and is common in Indian dishes has the ability to reduce the symptoms of infections.
In addition, curcumin (its main component) benefits the bones and joints, being ideal if you suffer, for example, from osteoarthritis.
This report from the University of Newcastle states that this component is really beneficial for our health.
Turmeric also maintains good liver health. We cannot forget that when the liver system does not work properly we are more prone to diseases.
8. Whole grains
Unlike refined (white), whole grains do not cause inflammation in the body and are much healthier, as stated in this report by the Mayo Clinic.
Whole grains maintain all the nutrients and have a low glycemic index, thus preventing blood sugar levels from rising.
When the opposite occurs, the body’s response is to promote the entry and proliferation of viruses, bacteria and yeasts.
9. Green leafy vegetables
Chard, spinach or lettuce are good allies when it comes to strengthening the immune system thanks to their enormous amount of antioxidants, according to this study carried out by the Metropolitan Autonomous University of Mexico.
Try to consume them raw to enjoy all their benefits.
10. Red fruits
In addition to their reddish colors, one of the properties shared by the so-called “red fruits” is the amount of nutrients they offer.
The so-called berries or fruits of the forest are a very broad group that includes the following varieties (among others):
- Blueberries
- Cherries
- Raspberries
- Gooseberries
- Cherries
- Blackberries
They are small in size but very nutritious, they are grown from wild bushes and have polyphenols, phytochemicals and flavonoids that strengthen our defenses.
A handful a day, either at breakfast, mid-morning or as a dessert is ideal to say goodbye to infections.
